Energy performance analysis of textile and capillary tube composite panel system by computational fluid dynamics and real-scale experiments

Abstract

In South Korea, more than 300,000 buildings are evaluated as remodeling targets. These old buildings consume higher energy per unit area. Moreover, most of them are masonry structures, are vulnerable to earthquakes and can suffer significant damage. Therefore, textile and capillary tube composite panels (TCPs) are used to improve energy and seismic performance of old masonry buildings. In this study, the applicability of TCP to an actual building was confirmed using computational fluid dynamic (CFD). Based on the CFD analysis results, a real-scale experimental plant was constructed. To establish a sustainable method of using TCP, a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module that uses solar energy was combined. The applicability of TCPs using the PVT module was reviewed by performing a real-scale experiment. The PVT system could supply hot water at up to 27.6 °C to the TCP in winter. The thermal insulation performance improved with increasing supply water temperature. Especially, in the case of TCP installed indoors, heat could be transferred indoor more effectively than in the case with the TCP installed outdoors.